By Wanique Block
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power sequel has cast London-based actress Sophia Nomvete as the first Black Female dwarf, Princess Disa.
Sophia Nomvete comes from a family of Thespians. Sophia is the niece of legendary South African actress Pamela Nomvete. Pamela has starred in various films and soap opera’s such as Generations, Zulu Love Letter and Lockdown, just to name a few.
In conversation with Essence magazine, Sophia expressed what it meant to join one of the most beloved fantasy lores in history.
“It is a dream come true on a personal level, and on a career level. I am the first female Black dwarf to have ever been seen cinematically or to touch Tolkien’s work”.
She further continued: “I am a mother, and to be able to host this character who is a princess, a regal, formidable woman, it is everything that I believe the world and the franchise need and should be really really proud of, and I am beyond excited to be a part of that”.
Despite changing the trajectory and game of The Lord of The Rings, like The Little Mermaid’s Halle Bailey, Sophia, and other POC cast members have also received a lot of backlash for being cast in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
In turn, the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has issued a statement condemning the racist abuse they have experienced since working on the fantasy series.
“We, the cast of Rings of Power, stand together in absolute solidarity and against the relentless racism, threats, harassment, and abuse some of our castmates of color are being subjected to on a daily basis. We refuse to ignore it or tolerate it,” read a message released via the show’s official Twitter account last night.
When asked about how she felt about getting ambushed by racist trolls on social media Sophia explained that despite the negativity, it’s her turn and time to shine as a Black woman.
“I’m human, so I was not immune to any of that. But I have to look at the bigger picture, and the bigger picture is that I am here. It is our turn. It is my turn. And Middle Earth is such a beautiful world as we see it today”.



